A HISTORIC band hopes to strike a chord with would-be recruits.

Keighley Salvation Army is seeking to bolster the ranks of its community band.

And anyone who plays a brass instrument, or wants to learn, is invited to join.

Lieutenant Ben Cotterill, who runs the town's Salvation Army branch, said the church had a long history of music making.

"We have seen first-hand the positive impact of music on individuals," he added.

"Not only does it encourage people to work together to craft beautiful melodies, but it also brings pleasure to the listener and performer and has a real power to stir one's emotions.

"For many people, hearing the Salvation Army band on the streets signals the start of Christmas and we want this to continue into the future.

"We're inviting former musicians who'd like to return to a banding community to join us, as well as people who have always wanted to learn to play but maybe have never had the opportunity.

"We have a friendly group of musicians with whom people can learn to play, and enjoy and create music, and – by participating – members will also have an opportunity to help raise vital funds for the Salvation Army to continue its work in the Keighley area."

Among the current members is Phil Corp, who joined 18 months ago.

He committed to playing regularly and has since become deputy bandleader.

Mr Corp said he'd been impressed by the friendliness of the group.

"I was invited by a friend to attend a rehearsal and I've never looked back!" he added.

"There was a warm welcome and it's been a joy to make music with the others."

Musicians don't have to be members of a church, and the band covers a range of music.

Fleece jackets and ties are provided for events, which include the church's popular Songs of Praise on the first Sunday of each month, at 2.30pm.

Rehearsals take place at the Salvation Army base, in High Street, at 7pm on Thursdays.

Keighley Salvation Army provides between 30 and 40 food parcels a week to the needy, supports asylum seekers, runs community activities for everyone from new-born babies to the retired and has a growing Sunday congregation.

For more details about joining the band, contact Lt Cotterill on 01535 603494.